My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

and opened it. Before she could even offer some to anyone, a group of children

is so

and a paper plate, preparing to cut

of a box to the side. “Today is Miss Rachel’s birthday. Before she treats you all to some cake, what

which happened to be a little girl in pigtails, immediately

must sing the ‘Happy Birthday’

Rachel must close her eyes and

Rachel must blow out the

her head to indicate to Julian that there was no

Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of young voices would have a

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

birthday, Miss Rachel. My mommy says you have to say it in your heart and not out loud, or the wish won’t come true,” a very young voice piped up

little girl who wasn’t even at table height yet looking

gazes of the children, clasped her hands and made a wish. After that, she blew out the candles and began

say thank you!” their

off, dabbing icing on each other’s faces. Just like that, the strangers in the community suddenly seemed closer and the whole

Rachel finally smiled for the first time

her back to her apartment building, Julian continued, “The most important thing right now is to take care of your body and your mood. You

well pretend it never

bringing up the child, he changed the topic and told her, “Go on upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder lately, so make sure to keep warm

and headed

her apartment and about to close

loud slam, the door was propped open by a

his darkened face made all the

out on business? she

himself, he slid sideways into the house and shut the door before

“I see you’ve been getting along fine

took two steps back. Why are you

at her resentfully, he stalked toward her as he pulled off his necktie and

he sneered, “I suppose you

her, forcing

idea

pulled, she staggered after him and was dragged all the way to